What is erectile dysfunction? Can it be treated?

The problem of a rooster not crowing, a brother not getting hard, or not fully hard—how should it be treated to get back to being fit as before? Certainly, these problems significantly affect men’s confidence and can also cause many couples to end their relationships.

Wouldn’t it be better to restore sexual function without surgery? Patients with erectile dysfunction do not necessarily need treatment in every case.

If the patient and spouse do not feel troubled by the inability to have sexual intercourse, however, this problem may indicate diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood lipids.

Along with other risk factors, even if there is no desire to have sex, a health check-up should be done. Today, we will introduce you to erectile dysfunction: what it is and whether it can be treated. This article has the answers.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence, is a condition where the male genital organ cannot fully become erect during sexual intercourse. This symptom can occur in men at any age but is more commonly found as age increases.

The mechanism of penile erection is quite complex. Stimuli trigger the brain to send signals through the spinal nerves. These signals stimulate the release of chemicals that send messages to cause blood vessels to deliver blood into the penis.

This causes the penis to enlarge. The penile tissue resembles a sponge arranged in columns. Erection occurs when blood flows into this tissue and it expands fully.

This expansion compresses the veins, reducing blood outflow from the penis. Causes of erectile dysfunction may arise from disruption at any step mentioned, possibly due to physical or psychological problems.

Although erectile failure is normal and not necessarily a sign of chronic problems, those experiencing this issue should consult a specialist. Treatment methods vary depending on the cause of erectile dysfunction.

Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction

  • Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day
  • Avoid smoking
  • Consult a therapist about improving communication with your partner

How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

  • Avoid nicotine intake from smoking, abstain from alcohol and other addictive substances
  • If current medications cause erectile dysfunction, the treating physician may change the medication. If the cause is emotional or psychological, a psychiatrist or counselor can provide appropriate advice for treatment
  • If blood testosterone levels are low, treatment can be done by testosterone injections or skin patches
  • Treatment may be necessary if there is excessive thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism) or insufficient thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism)
  • Treatment with Bromocriptine to manage elevated prolactin levels

Currently, there are three effective oral medications: Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis (tadalafil). These three drugs treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis.

During sexual stimulation, these drugs do not cause an erection without stimulation. Viagra and Levitra help maintain an erection for about 4 hours.

  • Cialis lasts about 24-36 hours. Side effects of these three drugs differ slightly. These drugs should not be used by patients taking nitrate-containing medications such as nitroglycerin or by patients with stroke, heart attack, or severe arrhythmia
  • Use of vacuum pumps to help achieve an erection: The device works by pumping air out of a plastic tube placed over the penis. Within 2-3 minutes after pumping, blood is drawn into the corpora cavernosa tissue, which resembles a sponge. Once erect, the device is removed, and a constriction ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection
  • Self-injection of alprostadil: This drug dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis, causing an erection. Your doctor will instruct you on the correct injection technique
  • Surgical treatment by implanting devices into the penis: One method involves inserting an expandable device with fluid reservoirs. Another method involves implanting flexible rods that can be bent forward to create an erection or folded against the body when not in use

In some less common cases, doctors may recommend vascular surgery to improve blood flow to the penis.

What is Low-Frequency Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock wave therapy has been used in medicine for a long time, such as for breaking up urinary tract stones, bile duct stones, and for physical therapy.

Low-frequency shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction works by causing microinjuries to the penile tissue at the cellular level.

This stimulates the body to respond by creating new blood vessels to repair the injury, resulting in increased blood supply to the penis.

Summary: What is Erectile Dysfunction and Can It Be Treated?

Whatever the treatment method, the goal is to restore confidence in men and satisfaction in their relationships. Therefore, erectile dysfunction is not as worrying as it seems.

The sooner it is recognized, the better the chance to restore function close to natural levels. Erectile dysfunction is natural, but if it interferes with life, Shockwave therapy is a good option for men because it is easy, fast,

provides good results without pain, is safe, and has no side effects. For more information, consult Dr. Beer at the clinic branch near you, click here or inquire via LINE OA 24 hours a day. Click now.

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